Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky mingles with the children from
Tirat Hacarmel who were treated to a day at the Luna Park amusement park in Tel Aviv.

December 6, 2010 /  29 Kislev 5771

Nearly 2,000 children and their parents from Tirat Hacarmel, the Haifa city bordering the Carmel forest where Israel’s largest and most devastating forest fire in Israel’s history recently occurred, spent a day of fun at a Tel Aviv amusement park, thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Federations of North America.

Children from Tirat Hacarmel near the devastating Carmel fire get off
the bus chartered for them to take them to the amusement park.

The fire, which began on Thursday, December 2, 2010, and lasted for four days, claiming the lives of 42 people and consuming an estimated 10,000 acres of forest and about four million trees.

Uri Cohen, Director of the Mekif Dati Ariel High School in Tirat Hacarmel,
took it upon himself to help bring thousands of children from the region
to the Luna Park for some relief from the anxiety and stress of the fire.

In addition to the thousands of people who were evacuated from their homes and the damage done to property, those in the nearby areas suffered tremendous stress and anxiety, particularly the children.

Moran Elkayam and sons Adi and Ben from Tirat Hacarmel enjoyed the
day at the Luna Park.

Since the Carmel fire tragedy, the generous donations made by the Jewish Federations of North America have been allocated to support the immediate needs of victims affected by the fire. The donations were also earmarked to provide children and families touched by the tragedy from the Carmel Region to a day of relaxation and fun at the Luna Park in Tel Aviv.

Lea Hauon and her son, Ariel, were relieved to enjoy themselves after so much panic and anxiety.

Luna Park

“This is crucial for the children and families who were touched by the fire,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharanksy. “The Jewish Agency is the tool through which the Jewish people can show their support and solidarity with Israel. The moment the news hit about the fire, Jewish Federations across North America were ready and willing to help.”

For more photos, click here.